Elongate panel edging strip of the prefabricated type



Dec. 17, 1968 B. E. DAUGHERTY 3,416,232

7 ELONGATE PANELEDGING STRIP OF THE PREFABRICATED TYPE Filed June16,1966 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Few INVENTOR.

BENJAMIN E DAUGHERTY HIS ATTORNEY Dec. 17, 1968 E. DAUGHERTY 3,416,282

ELONGATE PANEL EDGING STRIP OF THE PREFABRICATED TYPE Filed June 16,1966 2 SheetsSheet 2 INVENTOR;

, BENJAMIN E. DAUGHERTY BYEI HIS ATTORNEY United States Patent ice3,416,282 ELONGATE PANEL EDGING STRIP OF THE PREFABRICATED TYPE BenjaminE. Daugherty, Louisville, Ky., assignor to Cardinal Extrusions C0,,Louisville, Ky., a corporation of Kentucky Filed June 16, 1966, Ser. No.558,075 7 Claims. (Cl. 52627) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An elongatestifiiy-resilient metal extrusion of U-shaped cross-section intended tobe press fitted over and thereby secured to the marginal edge portion ofa panel, such as a shelf, and constructed to have opposedsubstantiallystraight slightly-converging side walls, a bight, a mouthwide enough to receive the panel and an elongate ledge of transversetriangular cross-section integrally formed on the inner face of one sidewall to extend longitudinally parallel with the bight but spaced asubstantial distance therefrom, the ledge being arranged for slidableengagement by the edge of an incoming panel, which, during insertion,earns the side wall apart.

This invention relates to an elongate channel-shaped metal strip of thetype intended to be snugly fitted over and secured to an elongateuniformly thick edge of a shelf, counter or other panel-like member.Strips of this character, which are hereinafter called panel edgingstrips, are variously known as face or facing strips, trim strips and,sometimes, molding strips.

Panel edging strips are widely used for decorative and protectivepurposes. Normally, when installed, they will not remain permanently inplace unless held therein by auxiliary securing means. Consequently, theconventional practice today is to tack or glue bond them in place.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a paneledging strip of simple construction which can be quickly andinexpensively produced and easily and quickly installed and which, wheninstalled, will automatically secure itself so firmly to the panel andresist removal so tenaciously as to render the use of auxiliary securingmeans unnecessary.

The principal object of my invention is more or less completely achievedby providing the inner side walls of an elongate stifily resilient metalstrip, which is U-shaped in cross section, with one or more elongateledges, of triangular cross section integrally formed to extendlongitudinally parallel with the bight and so arranged that they permitthe edge of a shelf to be easily inserted into the U-shaped channel ofthe strip but oppose its withdrawal. More particularly, my principalobjected is completely achieved in the preferred form of my inventionwhich comprises: (A) an elongate stifily resilient metal extrusion ofU-shaped cross-section having opposed substantially straight side walls,a bight, and a mouth, (1) each of said side walls having an elongateledge integrally formed on its inner face to extend longitudinallyparallel with the bight, but spaced a substantial distance outwardlythere- 'from, (2) each ledge having a transverse triangular crosssectioncharacterized by (a) a short side facing the bight, and (b) a long side,which extends from said short side toward said month, which, when saidextrusion is being fitted over an elongate panel edge portion, slidablyengages said panel edge portion, and which cooperates with said shortside to form an apex pointed in a direction such that it oposes theseparation or withdrawal of said extrusion from a panel edge portionover which said extrusion is fitted.

3,416,282 Patented Dec. 17, 1968 Another important object of myinvention is to provide a panel edging strip which substantiallyachieves the primary object of my invention and which can be used tojoin the adjacent edges of two panels together and to cover the jointline between panels.

All of the foregoing objects of this invention may be substantially ifnot completely achieved by providing, in a single elongate extrusion, atleast two panel edging strips embodying my invention.

It will be appreciated that extrusions embodying single or multiplepanel edging strips may be rapidly and continuously formed over gratelengths or selected fractions thereof at low cost. In use, it is onlynecessary to press fit a panel edging strip over the marginal edge of apanel member and this obviously may be easily and quickly done. When theinstallation is complete, the ledges of the strip bite into the panel soeffectively as to render it extremely difficult to separate or withdrawthe extrusion from the panel edge portion over which it is fitted. As amatter of fact, it cannot normally be accomplished without tearing upand substantially damaging that edge portion; hence, for all practicalpurposes, the panel edging strip is permanently mounted.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a small scaled perspective view of a bookcase having the frontedge of a shelf covered by a panel edging strip, which is made inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a relatively enlarged perspective view of the panel edgingstrip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a still further enlarged and elevational view showing therelationship of the panel edging strip of FIG. 2 to the front edge ofthe shelf of FIG. 1 over which it is about to be fitted;

FIG. 4 is a corresponding and elevational view showing the FIG. 3 partsas they appear when the strip of FIG. 2 is completely fitted over thefront edge of the FIG. 1 shelf;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged end view of a fragmentary portion of the strip ofFIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a small scale perspective view of a drawer case, the paneledges of which are faced and joined together by single and multiplepanel edging strips made in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 7-9 are transverse cross-sectional views respectively taken alonglines 7-7, 88 and 99 of the drawer case shown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view of modified form of paneledging strip made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective of a price card holder integrated with a paneledging strip by which it may be attached to a shelf; and

FIG. 12 is a transverse cross-sectional view of another modified form ofpanel edging strip.

FIGS. 1-5

FIG. 1 illustrates an open-front bookcase 1, having at least one woodenshelf 2, the front edge (designated 3 in FIG. 3) of which is covered bya panel edging strip 4, which is made in accordance with my inventionand which constitutes the presently preferred embodiment thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the panel edging strip 4 comprises an elongatestifily resilient metal extrusion 4 of U-shaped cross-section havingopposed substantially planar sidewalls 5, a bight 6 and a mouth. Whilethe panel edging strip 4 may be formed of any of a variety of extrudablemetals having stiflly resilient properties, it is preferably made ofaluminum alloys, such as 6063T5 and 6463T5 and the like.

Although it is not essential, the sidewalls 5, preferably convergetowards each other in a direction proceeding from the bight 6 toward themouth. While the angle of convergence may vary (from upwardly withinpractical limits, it preferably should not exceed 10 to any appreciabledegree. The angle shown approximates 7.

Each sidewall 5, has at least one and preferably two elongate ledges 7,integrally formed on its inner face to extend longitudinally parallel tothe bight 6. Each ledge 7 is spaced a substantial distance from thebight 6 and, as seen in FIG. 5, has a triangular cross-sectioncharacterized by a short side 7A and a long side 7B.

The short side 7A of each ledge 7 faces the bight 6. It preferablyconverges slightly toward the major plane of the bight 6 in a directionproceeding from its side wall inwardly of the strip toward its (76apex-forming) intersection with wall 7B. Since the side walls convergetoward each other, ledge wall 7A and the adjacent side wall, as shown inFIG. 5, form a 90 angle. With parallel side walls, ledge wall 7A maycontinue at a 90 angle but preferably would extend at a lesser angle upto 80 more or less and, more particularly, about 83.

The long side 73 of each triangular ledge 7 diverges inwardly from itsside wall at an angle of about 14 in a direction proceeding from itsside wall toward the bight 6 and its apex-forming intersection with theshort wall 7A.

Preferably both ledges 7 on each side wall are formed immediatelyadjacent one another. Preferably also, both are spaced as far from thebight and arranged as close to the mouth as is practicable so as toinsure a better edgegripping action. Thus, the preferred arrangementshown in FIGS. 1-5, has its outermost ledge 7 located adjacent the mouthwith the next ledge 7 located as close to the outer ledge 7 as possible.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3-4, the thickness of the shelf edge 3 issmaller than the corresponding width dimension of the mouth of the strip4 but larger than the spacing between the apices of the opposedoutermost ledges 7. In mounting or fitting the strip 4 on shelf edge 3,the mouth of the strip may be shoved inwardly over the edge 3 eitherprogressively along the length of the strip or simultaneously throughoutthe length thereof. Since the strip 4 is stitfly resilient, progressiveinstallation may normally be accomplished with a hammer or like toolwhereas simultaneous installation will normally require a power tool. Itwill be appreciated that, during the process of fitting a strip 4 overthe front edge 3 of shelf 2, the long walls 7B of the opposed outermostledges 7 of the strip will slidably engage the end edges of the shelfand, through such slidable engagement, be cammed or sprung away fromeach other as the strip moves inwardly over the shelf. This slidablecamming arrangement facilitates the inward movement of the strip overthe edge of the shelf; hence, it is a relatively simple matter to forcethe strip home, i.e. force it inwardly over the edge of the shelfsufficiently to press the inner face of the bight 6 into face-to-faceengagement with the end face of shelf 2.

The elongate and sharp pointed apices of all ledges 7 resiliently engageand normally penetrate the marginal faces of the shelf edge 3; hence,while the strip may be easily fitted thereover, it is more or lessimpossible to withdraw or remove therefrom without substantial damage tothe shelf because of the tenacious penetrating grip provided by theapices of the ledges 7. As a consequence, it is not necessary to useauxiliary means to maintain the panel edging strip 4 firmly mounted onthe edge.

The panel edging strip 4 may be made of various materials. The strips 4may be made in a range of sizes for a corresponding range of panel orshelf thicknesses. For example, when made to receive a standard inch(0.1875") plywood panel, a 6063T5 strip may be dimensioned as follows:side walls 5 and bight 6, 0.035" thick; angles as indicated in FIG. 5;width of mouth, 0.210"; spacing between opposed apices of the outermostledges, 0.165"; maximum spacing between the mouth and the 4 outer faceof the bight, 0.375"; width of short side 7A (between side walls andapex), 0.015"; and width of long side 7B, 0.062". For a ,5 (0.781) inchthick edge, the width of mouth and the spacing between opposed apices ofthe outermost ledges may be 0.812 and 0.750 inch respectively. Stripsmay be made to accommodate edges 1.25" thick and even thicker.

FIGS. 6-10 FIG. 6 illustrates a drawer case 10 composed of top andbottom wall panels 11-12, left and right end wall panels 13-14 and aback wall panel 15, the adjoining edges of which are faced and securedrigidly together by panel edging strips made in accordance with thepresent inven tion. Each of the wall panels 11-15 is preferably made ofwood or some other more or less equivalent material which can bepenetrated by ledges 7 on the panel edging strips. Among these are flakeboard, particle board, tack board, Masonite, cork, Plexiglas and otherplastics. Due to the high p.s.i. which can be developed on the tips ofthe ledges, panel edging strips made in accordance with this invention,may also be mounted on panels composed of metal, such as steel, eitherpaint-coated or uncoated.

As seen in FIG. 7, four double panel edging strips 16 are required tointerconnect the horizontal left and right end edges of the horizontaltop and bottom wall panels 11-12 with the adjoining horizontal top andbottom edges of the vertical left and right panels 13 and 14 and to faceall of the eight panel edges involved. All four of the double paneledging strips 16 are identically constructed. As constructed, eachcomprises a single extrusion 16 providing two panel edging strips whichhave their respective channels 17 and 18 disposed at right angles toeach other and which are integrated through a common wall 19 providingone side wall of channel 17 and the bight wall of channel 18.

The double edging strips 16 are intended for use in a physically smallcase; hence, while each strip may be provided with two pairs of ledges7, it is sufficient to provide the side walls of channel 17 with threeledges 7, including one pair on its integrated side wall 19, and toprovide the side walls of the other channel 18 with two ledges 7, one oneach side wall.

As seen in FIGS. 8-9, four single panel edging strips 21 are required toface the horizontal top and bottom rear edges of the horizontal top andbottom wall panels 11-12 and the vertical rear end edges of the verticalleft and right end wall panels 13 and 14. All four of the single paneledging strips 21 are identically constructed. As constructed, eachcomprises a single extrusion providing one panel edging strip which hasa forwardly facing channel 22, the outer side wall 5 of which isrearwardly extended to provide a rear side flange 23 and the bight wall6 of which is inwardly extended to provide a rear inward flange 24 atright angles to the rear side flange 23. For the reasons given inconnection with FIG. 7, it is suflicientto provide the side walls ofchannel 22 with three ledges 7, including one pair on its outer sidewall 5. When all four of the edging strips 21 are assembled over therear edges of the horizontal top and bottom wall panels 11 and 12 andthe vertical left and right end wall panels 13 and 14, the rear flanges23 and 24 cooperate to form a rearwardlyopen recess into which the backwall panel 15 may be fitted and within which it may be held by suitablyriveting it to the rear inward flanges 24 or otherwise securing it inplace.

As also seen in FIGS. 8-9, four single panel edging strips 26 arerequired to face the horizontal top and bottom front edges of thehorizontal top and bottom wall panels 11-12 and the vertical front endedges of the vertical left and right wall panels 13 and 14. All four ofthe single panel edging strips 26 are identically constructed. Asconstructed, each comprises a single extrusion providing one paneledging strip which has a rearwardly facing channel 27, the bight wall 6of which may be extended inwardly to provide a front face flange 28 ofany desired extrudable shape. Again, for the reasons given in connectionwith FIG. 7, it is sufiicient to provide the side walls of channel 27with three ledges 7, including one pair on its outer side wall 5. Whenall four of the edging strips 26 are assembled over the front edges ofthe case (i.e. the horizontal front edges of the top and bottom wallpanels 11 and 12 and the vertical front edges of the left and right endwall panels 13 and 14) the front flanges 28 cooperate to form anopen-ended recess into which a drawer or the like may be inserted. Itwill be understood that such a drawer will be supported within thedrawer case in any suitable manner by means not shown.

Before passing, we note that strip 16 integrates a 3-ledge strip with a2-ledge strip. Either of these strips may be used in the simplifiedfiangeless single-strip form shown in FIGS. 1-5. All such forms may alsobe made with wide shallow channels and with narrow deep channels.

FIG. 10

The panel edging strip 4 shown in FIG. 10 has its bight 6A slanted toaccommodate the correspondingly slanted or chamfered edge of a shelf orpanel. The side walls 5 converge as before.

FIG. 11

The panel edging strip 4 shown in FIG. 11 is integrated with a price (orother) card holder 30 having a d0ve tail channel. In an arrangement ofthis type, a price card, having a vertical dimension greater than thevertical width dimension of the mouth of the channel, is flexed so thatit may be introduced into the channel through the mouth thereof. Whenreleased, it will straighten out sufiiciently to be retained in thechannel by the top and bottom walls of the channel.

FIG. 12

The panel edging strip 4A shown in FIG. 12 has side walls 5 and 5A, abight 6 and a ledge 7 on side wall 5. The outer or tip end portion ofits upper side wall SA is bent inwardly as indicated at 5B. A strip ofthis modified design sacrifices gripping strength by omitting a ledgefrom side wall 5A in order to gain the hygienic advantages which flowfrom the close engagement of the outer tip end 5B with a counter orother food handling surface.

Miscellaneous From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that paneledging strips, which embody my invention, may be easily, quickly andinexpensively produced by extrusion, cut to desired short or longlengths, and fitted over a panel, shelf or equivalent edge. When fitted,they operate to hold themselves in place so tenaciously as to eliminatethe need for auxiliary fastening means. Furthermore, they can be readilymade in the form of single or multiple strips which are integrated withother things (such as flanges, price markers and other devices) orentirely separated therefrom.

Panel edging strips made in accordance with my invention not only serveto cover the marginal edge, but they may also function to reinforce thatedge and increase its mechanical strength very substantially.Additionally, they may maintain, in assembled relationship, amulti-layer edge, such as one composed of corrugated cardboard facedwith sheet metal, such as sheet aluminum.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. An elongate panel edging strip of the prefabricated type intended tobe press fitted over and thereby secured to a uniformly-thick marginaledge portion of a panel, shelf or the like, comprising:

A. an elongate stiffly-resilient metal extrusion of U- shapedcross-section having opposed substantiallystraight stilily-resilientside walls, a bight, and a mouth wider than the thickness of said panel,

(1) one of said side walls having a rigid elongate ledge integrallyformed on its inner face to extend longitudinally parallel with thebight but spaced a substantial distance therefrom,

(2) said ledge having a transverse triangular cross-sectioncharacterized by (a) a short side facing the bight, and (b) a long side,

(i) which extends from said short side toward said mouth,

(ii) which, when said extrusion is being fitted over an edge, slidablyengages said edge to cam the stitHy-resilient side walls apart, and

(iii) which cooperates with the short side to form a sharp apex pontedin a direction such that it opposes the withdrawal of said extrusionfrom an edge on which it may be mounted,

(3) said extrusion normally being operative, when mounted on an edge, togrip that edge so rigidly and tightly as to (a) prevent any appreciablerelative movement between said extrusion and edge parts and (b) render,extremely diflicult, the removal of the extrusion from the edge withoutinflicting substantial damage to at least one of said parts.

2. The strip of claim 1, wherein:

A. said short side of said ledge inclines from said inner face towardthe major plane of said bight.

3. The strip of claim 1, wherein:

A. said side walls converge in a bight-toward-mouth direction.

4. The strip of claim 1 wherein:

A. The opposite side wall has a substantially identical ledge similarlyformed on its inner face.

5,. The strip of claim 1, wherein:

A. said one side wall has more than one such ledge so formed on itsinner face.

6. The strip of claim 1, wherein:

A. the opposite side wall has its free or tip end turned inwardly forcounter-engaging purposes.

7. A pair of claim 1 strips integrated into a single extrusion.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,523,285 1/1925 Pritchett 49-462XR 2,564,386 8/1951 Webb 593 2,872,713 2/1959 Haas 49488 XR 3,341,2519/1967 Costin 297457 XR FOREIGN PATENTS 537,129 12/1955 Italy.

BOBBY R. GAY, Primary Examiner. A. CALVERT, Assistant Examiner.

U.S. c1. x.R. 49-462

